Ha!

Whether you want it or not, the spring comes.

Chiffchaffs have already flown in,

Redstarts crackle electric from wet roofs,

The sky is blue and now black with clouds,

Blossom, that once seemed immoderate after such winter gloom,

Is now golden and pink and red flung up into a wind that scours the world raw clean with cold snow on its tongue.

The bare forest trees reflect purple into the slicing light.

They are changing when you do not see,

You were watching the bird with that huge twig clamped in its beak,

There are nests to be built,

Ha!

The spring does not wait for you!